https://simplecast.com Flying Shoes Radio Hour Highlighting the roots and branches of the contra dance music we love here in Belfast, Maine and beyond, the musicians who play it with and for others, and the dancers of all ages that it inspires! In each episode, host Chrissy Fowler welcomes contra dance musicians to an informal recording session, where we get to hear their sound up close and personal, as well as stories about their history and approach to playing. 2017-2025 Flying Shoes Radio Hour & CDSS en Fri, 27 Mar 2026 21:03:52 +0000 Fri, 27 Mar 2026 21:04:02 +0000 https://fsradiohour.simplecast.com Flying Shoes Radio Hour https://image.simplecastcdn.com/images/f9cc4021-1ff0-4721-b799-3bbf62e1d04d/1c6cb578-1adf-423b-b86c-d0d454e4cc17/3000x3000/belfast-20radio-20hour-pink-20accents-20upscaled.jpg?aid=rss_feed https://fsradiohour.simplecast.com episodic Highlighting the roots and branches of the contra dance music we love here in Belfast, Maine and beyond, the musicians who play it with and for others, and the dancers of all ages that it inspires! In each episode, host Chrissy Fowler welcomes contra dance musicians to an informal recording session, where we get to hear their sound up close and personal, as well as stories about their history and approach to playing. Chrissy Fowler false https://feeds.simplecast.com/tYFLGcAG contra dance, dance, dance music, folk music, social dance Country Dance & Song Soceity ben@cdss.org 2d8c7794-6cb9-4b1b-8bb1-99ffd0353720 Episode 7 - Nobody's Business Full episode transcript

Nobody's Business: nobodysbusiness.band

Individual band members and their other projects:

Hayden Stern 

Casey Murray 

Helen Kuhar 

Tunes

  1. Farewell to Santa Ana (Hayden Stern)
  2. An Dros (trad)
  3. Boat Song (Hayden Stern) song!!

Break

  1. Lady Anne Montgomery (trad)
  2. Heather Lake (Hayden Stern) / Wedding at 11 West (Hayden Stern)

Check out the Flying Shoes Radio Hour site more information and other great episodes. And the Country Dance and Song Society for information about contra and English country dance. 

 

Produced by:

Belfast Flying Shoes belfastflyingshoes.org

Country Dance & Song Society cdss.org

Belfast Community Radio WBFY (where the Flying Shoes Radio Hour airs weekly) wbfy.wpengine.com/show/flying-shoes-radio-hour/

]]> Fri, 27 Mar 2026 21:03:52 +0000 ben@cdss.org (Chrissy Fowler, Helen Kuhar, Casey Murray, Hayden Stern) https://fsradiohour.simplecast.com/episodes/episode-7-nobodys-business-VDtmeNn_ Full episode transcript

Nobody's Business: nobodysbusiness.band

Individual band members and their other projects:

Hayden Stern 

Casey Murray 

Helen Kuhar 

Tunes

  1. Farewell to Santa Ana (Hayden Stern)
  2. An Dros (trad)
  3. Boat Song (Hayden Stern) song!!

Break

  1. Lady Anne Montgomery (trad)
  2. Heather Lake (Hayden Stern) / Wedding at 11 West (Hayden Stern)

Check out the Flying Shoes Radio Hour site more information and other great episodes. And the Country Dance and Song Society for information about contra and English country dance. 

 

Produced by:

Belfast Flying Shoes belfastflyingshoes.org

Country Dance & Song Society cdss.org

Belfast Community Radio WBFY (where the Flying Shoes Radio Hour airs weekly) wbfy.wpengine.com/show/flying-shoes-radio-hour/

]]> Episode 7 - Nobody's Business Chrissy Fowler, Helen Kuhar, Casey Murray, Hayden Stern 01:06:19 This episode features Nobody’s Business (Hayden Stern on fiddle, Casey Murray on cello, and Helen Kuhar on guitar). The conversation kicked off with some reflections on their individual paths to playing for contra dances, from classical music lessons, to dances when they were younger, and other fiddle traditions, They also discuss how they found a supportive environment for musicians in general, but especially folks who identify as queer. In between playing music, we also get into topics like choosing tune sets, devising arrangements, being conscious of a musical arc, and how uplifting it is to play for people who are so responsive to your musical offerings. Just really, they were just really bright spirits! I think you can hear the smiles in their voices. This episode features Nobody’s Business (Hayden Stern on fiddle, Casey Murray on cello, and Helen Kuhar on guitar). The conversation kicked off with some reflections on their individual paths to playing for contra dances, from classical music lessons, to dances when they were younger, and other fiddle traditions, They also discuss how they found a supportive environment for musicians in general, but especially folks who identify as queer. In between playing music, we also get into topics like choosing tune sets, devising arrangements, being conscious of a musical arc, and how uplifting it is to play for people who are so responsive to your musical offerings. Just really, they were just really bright spirits! I think you can hear the smiles in their voices. folk music, dance music, contra dance false full 7 c14cdf06-e054-486f-b1af-bb9698da51f9 Episode 6 - Benjamin Foss & Bennett Konesni Click here to download transcript

Links: 

During our conversation, Bennett & Benjamin referred to various individuals and organizations, including these: 

Tunes:

  1. Mackilmoyle’s / Lamplighter’s Hornpipe (both trad)
  2. Shingling the Roof (trad, often attributed to a New Brunswick fiddler)
  3. Country Waltz (trad, from Prince Edward Island, and popularized by Don Messer)

Break

  1. Schottis från Delsbo (trad, from Sweden)
  2. The Journeyman’s Jig, also called Simon’s in D in Maine (June Eikhard) / Jimmy’s Favorite, also called Simon’s in G in Maine - two jigs from the repertoire of Simon St Pierre of Smyrna Mills
  3. The Brazen Mask (trad)
  4. Bonus track after the credits - Maclotte de Houssa, a “Walloon Tune” from Wallonia, a region of Belgium (trad)

Check out the Flying Shoes Radio Hour site more information and other great episodes. And the Country Dance and Song Society for information about contra and English country dance. 

 

Produced by:

Belfast Flying Shoes belfastflyingshoes.org

Country Dance & Song Society cdss.org

Belfast Community Radio WBFY (where the Flying Shoes Radio Hour airs weekly) wbfy.wpengine.com/show/flying-shoes-radio-hour/

]]> Wed, 28 Jan 2026 20:48:07 +0000 ben@cdss.org (Benjamin Foss, Bennett Konesni, Chrissy Fowler) https://fsradiohour.simplecast.com/episodes/episode-6-benjamin-foss-bennett-konesni-ZkV4DbzB Click here to download transcript

Links: 

During our conversation, Bennett & Benjamin referred to various individuals and organizations, including these: 

Tunes:

  1. Mackilmoyle’s / Lamplighter’s Hornpipe (both trad)
  2. Shingling the Roof (trad, often attributed to a New Brunswick fiddler)
  3. Country Waltz (trad, from Prince Edward Island, and popularized by Don Messer)

Break

  1. Schottis från Delsbo (trad, from Sweden)
  2. The Journeyman’s Jig, also called Simon’s in D in Maine (June Eikhard) / Jimmy’s Favorite, also called Simon’s in G in Maine - two jigs from the repertoire of Simon St Pierre of Smyrna Mills
  3. The Brazen Mask (trad)
  4. Bonus track after the credits - Maclotte de Houssa, a “Walloon Tune” from Wallonia, a region of Belgium (trad)

Check out the Flying Shoes Radio Hour site more information and other great episodes. And the Country Dance and Song Society for information about contra and English country dance. 

 

Produced by:

Belfast Flying Shoes belfastflyingshoes.org

Country Dance & Song Society cdss.org

Belfast Community Radio WBFY (where the Flying Shoes Radio Hour airs weekly) wbfy.wpengine.com/show/flying-shoes-radio-hour/

]]> Episode 6 - Benjamin Foss & Bennett Konesni Benjamin Foss, Bennett Konesni, Chrissy Fowler 01:25:41 This week we talk to Benjamin Foss and Bennett Konesni in Belfast, both hailing from Waldo County, Maine. Throughout the episode they reflect on their deep commitment to nourishing our local culture of participatory music and dance, their love of contra music new and old, and the value of social connections of playing and dancing, including the links among various cultures of music and dance (those branches we love exploring in this podcast). Both Bennett and Benjamin also dig the roots, sharing the history behind the tunes, some of which they unearth in archives and bring into the light, some they learned from their contra dance musician mentors, and others that they introduce to the locally-played repertoire after collecting them on their own travels. So sit back, and enjoy the ride, with Benjamin Foss on fiddle and Bennett Konesni on guitar! This week we talk to Benjamin Foss and Bennett Konesni in Belfast, both hailing from Waldo County, Maine. Throughout the episode they reflect on their deep commitment to nourishing our local culture of participatory music and dance, their love of contra music new and old, and the value of social connections of playing and dancing, including the links among various cultures of music and dance (those branches we love exploring in this podcast). Both Bennett and Benjamin also dig the roots, sharing the history behind the tunes, some of which they unearth in archives and bring into the light, some they learned from their contra dance musician mentors, and others that they introduce to the locally-played repertoire after collecting them on their own travels. So sit back, and enjoy the ride, with Benjamin Foss on fiddle and Bennett Konesni on guitar! folk music, dance music, contra dance false full 6 90fe2b90-46f3-463d-8c65-c1de758c0793 Episode 5 - Trip to Norwich Click here to download transcript

Trip to Norwich

Some people and places mentioned in the conversation: 

Tunes:

  1. Glise de Sherbrooke (trad) / Flop Eared Mule (trad)
  2. Cliffs of Moher (trad) / Cat Man Dew (Thal Aylward)
  3. Tawyard Hall (Carol Compton)
  4. Eddie’s Reel (trad) / Air du Saguenay (trad) / Joys of Quebec (trad) 
  5. Emilio’s Rag (Thal Aylward) 
  6. Covid Free (Thal Aylward) / Lady of the Lake (trad) / La Grandeuse (trad)

Check out the Flying Shoes Radio Hour site more information and other great episodes. And the Country Dance and Song Society for information about contra and English country dance. 

 

Produced by:

Belfast Flying Shoes belfastflyingshoes.org

Country Dance & Song Society cdss.org

Belfast Community Radio WBFY (where the Flying Shoes Radio Hour airs weekly) wbfy.wpengine.com/show/flying-shoes-radio-hour/

]]> Tue, 23 Dec 2025 19:44:54 +0000 ben@cdss.org (Trip to Norwich, Carol Compton, Thal Aylward, Mary Wesley) https://fsradiohour.simplecast.com/episodes/episode-5-trip-to-norwich-jzHSftsq Click here to download transcript

Trip to Norwich

Some people and places mentioned in the conversation: 

Tunes:

  1. Glise de Sherbrooke (trad) / Flop Eared Mule (trad)
  2. Cliffs of Moher (trad) / Cat Man Dew (Thal Aylward)
  3. Tawyard Hall (Carol Compton)
  4. Eddie’s Reel (trad) / Air du Saguenay (trad) / Joys of Quebec (trad) 
  5. Emilio’s Rag (Thal Aylward) 
  6. Covid Free (Thal Aylward) / Lady of the Lake (trad) / La Grandeuse (trad)

Check out the Flying Shoes Radio Hour site more information and other great episodes. And the Country Dance and Song Society for information about contra and English country dance. 

 

Produced by:

Belfast Flying Shoes belfastflyingshoes.org

Country Dance & Song Society cdss.org

Belfast Community Radio WBFY (where the Flying Shoes Radio Hour airs weekly) wbfy.wpengine.com/show/flying-shoes-radio-hour/

]]> Episode 5 - Trip to Norwich Trip to Norwich, Carol Compton, Thal Aylward, Mary Wesley 01:04:20 This episode, Chrissy sits down with the wonderful Carol Compton and Thal Aylward of Trip to Norwich to talk about the wild paths each of them have taken to playing English country dance and contra and contra music and where they are today. The conversation takes place in between a range of original and traditional tunes played by the duo. This episode, Chrissy sits down with the wonderful Carol Compton and Thal Aylward of Trip to Norwich to talk about the wild paths each of them have taken to playing English country dance and contra and contra music and where they are today. The conversation takes place in between a range of original and traditional tunes played by the duo. dance, english country dance, dance music, contra dance, community dance false full 5 584cee2a-688b-43da-9194-c4b3b5f2af80 Episode 4 - Genticorum Click here for the full transcript

Genticorum

Some people and places mentioned in the conversation: 

Tunes:

  1. Galope des montagnards laurentiens (trad)
  2. Quadrille de Montcalm / reel du lièvre / reel de Chicoutimi (trad)
  3. La chaine des dames (André Alain)
  4. Valse Beaulieu (Pascal Gemme)
  5. Hommage à Guy Thomas (Philippe Bruneau)

Check out the Flying Shoes Radio Hour site more information and other great episodes. And the Country Dance and Song Society for information about contra and English country dance. 

 

Produced by:

Belfast Flying Shoes belfastflyingshoes.org

Country Dance & Song Society cdss.org

Belfast Community Radio WBFY (where the Flying Shoes Radio Hour airs weekly) wbfy.wpengine.com/show/flying-shoes-radio-hour/

]]> Fri, 28 Nov 2025 20:56:50 +0000 ben@cdss.org (Pascal Gemme, Yann Falquet, Nicholas Williams, Chrissy Fowler) https://fsradiohour.simplecast.com/episodes/episode-4-genticorum-Wbtmo2s7 Click here for the full transcript

Genticorum

Some people and places mentioned in the conversation: 

Tunes:

  1. Galope des montagnards laurentiens (trad)
  2. Quadrille de Montcalm / reel du lièvre / reel de Chicoutimi (trad)
  3. La chaine des dames (André Alain)
  4. Valse Beaulieu (Pascal Gemme)
  5. Hommage à Guy Thomas (Philippe Bruneau)

Check out the Flying Shoes Radio Hour site more information and other great episodes. And the Country Dance and Song Society for information about contra and English country dance. 

 

Produced by:

Belfast Flying Shoes belfastflyingshoes.org

Country Dance & Song Society cdss.org

Belfast Community Radio WBFY (where the Flying Shoes Radio Hour airs weekly) wbfy.wpengine.com/show/flying-shoes-radio-hour/

]]> Episode 4 - Genticorum Pascal Gemme, Yann Falquet, Nicholas Williams, Chrissy Fowler 01:16:55 This fourth episode of the Flying Shoes Radio Hour podcast involves chatting (and laughing) with the Quebecois band, Genticorum. Original members, Pascal Gemme and Yann Falquet, along with their “Genticorum 2.0” bandmate Nicholas Williams were in midcoast Maine for several days, and we recorded the show as soon as they arrived in town. The podcast launched a weekend full of Genticorum delights: a contra dance, a musicians’ workshop, a singing workshop, and two concerts - ooh la la! Yann, Nicholas & Pascal are a treat to spend time with, and their music is absolutely uplifting and enlivening — even if it’s dark and modal, but especially when it’s got that distinctive Quebecois joie de vivre. Our conversation was a window into the band’s history and evolution, their individual paths to playing trad music, and specifically how playing for contra dances helped cement their status as a trio. We also heard musings on trad music in general, and what they consider differently when they’re working with a contra caller. Plus you’ll hear the story of how the particular compensation that Pascal’s previous band got for a gig led directly to Pascal & Yann’s first musical connection. We could have talked for much longer, but this podcast might whet your appetite for more connections with Nicholas, Pascal & Yann. This fourth episode of the Flying Shoes Radio Hour podcast involves chatting (and laughing) with the Quebecois band, Genticorum. Original members, Pascal Gemme and Yann Falquet, along with their “Genticorum 2.0” bandmate Nicholas Williams were in midcoast Maine for several days, and we recorded the show as soon as they arrived in town. The podcast launched a weekend full of Genticorum delights: a contra dance, a musicians’ workshop, a singing workshop, and two concerts - ooh la la! Yann, Nicholas & Pascal are a treat to spend time with, and their music is absolutely uplifting and enlivening — even if it’s dark and modal, but especially when it’s got that distinctive Quebecois joie de vivre. Our conversation was a window into the band’s history and evolution, their individual paths to playing trad music, and specifically how playing for contra dances helped cement their status as a trio. We also heard musings on trad music in general, and what they consider differently when they’re working with a contra caller. Plus you’ll hear the story of how the particular compensation that Pascal’s previous band got for a gig led directly to Pascal & Yann’s first musical connection. We could have talked for much longer, but this podcast might whet your appetite for more connections with Nicholas, Pascal & Yann. folk music, dance music, contra dance false full 4 c43da5fd-dddd-4021-b8e1-221f1ff93325 Episode 3 - River Road Click here to download the full transcript

River Road

Some people and places that River Road referred to during the conversation: 

Tunes:

  1. Rolling Waves (trad) / Hole in the Hedge (trad) / Lucy Farr’s Barn Dance (trad)
  2. Point Roberts (Jesse Ball) / Hiccup (Jesse Ball)
  3. The Friendly Clarinetist (Kristen Planeaux)

Break

  1. Water in The Attic (Glen Loper) / Starlit Skies (Jesse Ball)
  2. The Valley Flyer (Jesse Ball)

Check out the Flying Shoes Radio Hour site more information and other great episodes. And the Country Dance and Song Society for information about contra and English country dance. 

 

Produced by:

Belfast Flying Shoes belfastflyingshoes.org

Country Dance & Song Society cdss.org

Belfast Community Radio WBFY (where the Flying Shoes Radio Hour airs weekly) wbfy.wpengine.com/show/flying-shoes-radio-hour/

]]> Fri, 25 Jul 2025 18:10:23 +0000 ben@cdss.org (Sarah-Hadley Yakir, Kristen Planeaux, Jesse Ball, Chrissy Fowler) https://fsradiohour.simplecast.com/episodes/episode-3-river-road-yBIT8msY Click here to download the full transcript

River Road

Some people and places that River Road referred to during the conversation: 

Tunes:

  1. Rolling Waves (trad) / Hole in the Hedge (trad) / Lucy Farr’s Barn Dance (trad)
  2. Point Roberts (Jesse Ball) / Hiccup (Jesse Ball)
  3. The Friendly Clarinetist (Kristen Planeaux)

Break

  1. Water in The Attic (Glen Loper) / Starlit Skies (Jesse Ball)
  2. The Valley Flyer (Jesse Ball)

Check out the Flying Shoes Radio Hour site more information and other great episodes. And the Country Dance and Song Society for information about contra and English country dance. 

 

Produced by:

Belfast Flying Shoes belfastflyingshoes.org

Country Dance & Song Society cdss.org

Belfast Community Radio WBFY (where the Flying Shoes Radio Hour airs weekly) wbfy.wpengine.com/show/flying-shoes-radio-hour/

]]> Episode 3 - River Road Sarah-Hadley Yakir, Kristen Planeaux, Jesse Ball, Chrissy Fowler 01:04:06 In February of 2025 we talked with River Road, in Northport, Maine in the late morning after their first time playing for the Belfast Flying Shoes First Friday dance series. The trio from the Connecticut River Valley in Massachusetts features Sarah-Hadley Yakir (fiddle), Kristen Planeaux (piano, flute & accordion) and Jesse Ball (mandolin, guitar & foot percussion). Lounging on comfortable chairs looking out at Penobscot Bay, they shared a variety of anecdotes and personal perspectives related to their experiences as friends, dance musicians, and as dancers! They provided a bit of the back story on the music, including the tunes that Kristen and Jesse composed. We even heard a little bit about their lives beyond the contra dance subculture. It was all quite jolly and relaxing, but when it was time to play, that’s when their focus as a band came fully clear. They moved their chairs and instruments into a tight circle around the microphone, and launched into their planned sets with palpable energy, communicating with facial expressions, head gestures, and plenty of eye contact. We loved listening to their arrangements in person and on the recording, and it was a pleasure hearing their stories. We hope you enjoy this River Road episode just as much as we did! In February of 2025 we talked with River Road, in Northport, Maine in the late morning after their first time playing for the Belfast Flying Shoes First Friday dance series. The trio from the Connecticut River Valley in Massachusetts features Sarah-Hadley Yakir (fiddle), Kristen Planeaux (piano, flute & accordion) and Jesse Ball (mandolin, guitar & foot percussion). Lounging on comfortable chairs looking out at Penobscot Bay, they shared a variety of anecdotes and personal perspectives related to their experiences as friends, dance musicians, and as dancers! They provided a bit of the back story on the music, including the tunes that Kristen and Jesse composed. We even heard a little bit about their lives beyond the contra dance subculture. It was all quite jolly and relaxing, but when it was time to play, that’s when their focus as a band came fully clear. They moved their chairs and instruments into a tight circle around the microphone, and launched into their planned sets with palpable energy, communicating with facial expressions, head gestures, and plenty of eye contact. We loved listening to their arrangements in person and on the recording, and it was a pleasure hearing their stories. We hope you enjoy this River Road episode just as much as we did! dance music, dance band, contra dance false full 3 aa2af903-232b-431c-b691-3ea3d64ef154 Episode 2 - Wild Asparagus Full Episode Transcript

Links:

During our conversation, the members of Wild Asparagus refer to other artists, including these: 

  • Swallowtail, the influential Pioneer Valley MA contra dance band (George Marshall, David Cantieni, Timm Triplett, Ron Grosslein, and Tim Van Egmond)
  • John Skelton, a woodwind player in the House Band
  • “Jamesie” Brewster, a legendary Caribbean musician. Learn more about Jamesie in this St Croix Source article; in this film about his role in “Scratch” and Quelbe music of St Croix and the US Virgin Islands jamesieproject.com/; and in the Columbia College Archives.

Tunes:

  1. Ross’s Reel # 4 / Frenchie’s (both trad)
  2. Dick Gossip (trad)
  3. Stonetown (John Skelton)
  4. Song for Gale (Larry Kaplan; sung by Cindy Kallet and others)

Break

  1. Recreational Doctor (Keith Murphy)
  2. The Lazy B (David Cantieni)
  3. Speed the Plow (trad) / Enjoy Yourself (Carl Sigman & Herb Magidson) from the Wild Asparagus album, “Live at the Guiding Star Grange”, © 2009

Check out the Flying Shoes Radio Hour site more information and other great episodes. And the Country Dance and Song Society for information about contra and English country dance. 

 

Produced by:

Belfast Flying Shoes belfastflyingshoes.org

Country Dance & Song Society cdss.org

Belfast Community Radio WBFY (where the Flying Shoes Radio Hour airs weekly) wbfy.wpengine.com/show/flying-shoes-radio-hour/

]]> Fri, 23 May 2025 19:29:48 +0000 ben@cdss.org (Wild Asparagus, Ann Percival, Becky Tracy, David Cantieni, Chrissy Fowler, George Marshall) https://fsradiohour.simplecast.com/episodes/episode-2-wild-asparagus-AtbpIX3w Full Episode Transcript

Links:

During our conversation, the members of Wild Asparagus refer to other artists, including these: 

  • Swallowtail, the influential Pioneer Valley MA contra dance band (George Marshall, David Cantieni, Timm Triplett, Ron Grosslein, and Tim Van Egmond)
  • John Skelton, a woodwind player in the House Band
  • “Jamesie” Brewster, a legendary Caribbean musician. Learn more about Jamesie in this St Croix Source article; in this film about his role in “Scratch” and Quelbe music of St Croix and the US Virgin Islands jamesieproject.com/; and in the Columbia College Archives.

Tunes:

  1. Ross’s Reel # 4 / Frenchie’s (both trad)
  2. Dick Gossip (trad)
  3. Stonetown (John Skelton)
  4. Song for Gale (Larry Kaplan; sung by Cindy Kallet and others)

Break

  1. Recreational Doctor (Keith Murphy)
  2. The Lazy B (David Cantieni)
  3. Speed the Plow (trad) / Enjoy Yourself (Carl Sigman & Herb Magidson) from the Wild Asparagus album, “Live at the Guiding Star Grange”, © 2009

Check out the Flying Shoes Radio Hour site more information and other great episodes. And the Country Dance and Song Society for information about contra and English country dance. 

 

Produced by:

Belfast Flying Shoes belfastflyingshoes.org

Country Dance & Song Society cdss.org

Belfast Community Radio WBFY (where the Flying Shoes Radio Hour airs weekly) wbfy.wpengine.com/show/flying-shoes-radio-hour/

]]> Episode 2 - Wild Asparagus Wild Asparagus, Ann Percival, Becky Tracy, David Cantieni, Chrissy Fowler, George Marshall 01:00:37 This episode features Wild Asparagus, an influential dance band based in Western Massachusetts. Since 1984, the band has shared their music with generations of dancers across North America and around the world, and the band incorporates harmonies, counter-melodies, some pretty unique riffs, and even bringing in tunes from outside the typical contra dance tradition. Enjoy this effusive conversation and music, buoyed by shared memories and the adrenaline of the packed hall in Belfast, Maine the night before. It’s an absolute pleasure to share this podcast version of that recording now, in 2025, which is shortly after the band celebrated its 40th anniversary of their original Wild Asparagus trio, and also the 30th year since Becky joined the band. This episode features Wild Asparagus, an influential dance band based in Western Massachusetts. Since 1984, the band has shared their music with generations of dancers across North America and around the world, and the band incorporates harmonies, counter-melodies, some pretty unique riffs, and even bringing in tunes from outside the typical contra dance tradition. Enjoy this effusive conversation and music, buoyed by shared memories and the adrenaline of the packed hall in Belfast, Maine the night before. It’s an absolute pleasure to share this podcast version of that recording now, in 2025, which is shortly after the band celebrated its 40th anniversary of their original Wild Asparagus trio, and also the 30th year since Becky joined the band. contra dance, folk dance false full 2 2dfc65c6-91ad-443a-8125-7041a94d9455 Episode 1 - Pine Tree Flyers Full episode transcript

Musician websites & some topics referenced in the show:

Pine Tree Flyers - pinetreeflyers.com/

Katie McNally - katiemcnally.com

Emily Troll - emilytrollmusic.com

Neil Pearlman - neilpearlman.com/

Owen Marshall - owenmarshallmusic.com/home/

Trad Cafe (Neil’s podcast) - tradcafe.org/

Maine Music Compendium (book referenced by Katie) - brickstoremuseum.org/product/maine-musical-compendium-by-paul-wells/

NH Library of Traditional Music & Dance at UNH (resource referenced by Chrissy) - library.unh.edu/find/special/subject/new-hampshire-library-traditional-music-dance

 

Tunes:

  1. Lady of the Lake / Lady Walpole / Lady Ann Montgomery (all trad)
  2. Haste to the Wedding / Coleraine (both trad)
  3. Vidita (waltz by Katie McNally)

Break

  1. Petronella / Green Mountain Petronella / Petronella (all trad)
  2. Glise de Sherbrooke (trad)
  3. Hull’s Victory / Douglas’s Favorite / Lamplighter’s Hornpipe (trad / either Jack Douglas or trad / trad)

Check out the Flying Shoes Radio Hour site more information and other great episodes. And the Country Dance and Song Society for information about contra and English country dance. 

 

Produced by:

Belfast Flying Shoes belfastflyingshoes.org

Country Dance & Song Society cdss.org

Belfast Community Radio WBFY (where the Flying Shoes Radio Hour airs weekly) wbfy.wpengine.com/show/flying-shoes-radio-hour/

]]> Mon, 24 Mar 2025 21:10:53 +0000 ben@cdss.org (Katie McNally, Emily Troll, Benjamin Foss, Neil Pearlman, Pine Tree Flyers, Chrissy Fowler) https://fsradiohour.simplecast.com/episodes/episode-1-pine-tree-flyers-BQklbpFA Full episode transcript

Musician websites & some topics referenced in the show:

Pine Tree Flyers - pinetreeflyers.com/

Katie McNally - katiemcnally.com

Emily Troll - emilytrollmusic.com

Neil Pearlman - neilpearlman.com/

Owen Marshall - owenmarshallmusic.com/home/

Trad Cafe (Neil’s podcast) - tradcafe.org/

Maine Music Compendium (book referenced by Katie) - brickstoremuseum.org/product/maine-musical-compendium-by-paul-wells/

NH Library of Traditional Music & Dance at UNH (resource referenced by Chrissy) - library.unh.edu/find/special/subject/new-hampshire-library-traditional-music-dance

 

Tunes:

  1. Lady of the Lake / Lady Walpole / Lady Ann Montgomery (all trad)
  2. Haste to the Wedding / Coleraine (both trad)
  3. Vidita (waltz by Katie McNally)

Break

  1. Petronella / Green Mountain Petronella / Petronella (all trad)
  2. Glise de Sherbrooke (trad)
  3. Hull’s Victory / Douglas’s Favorite / Lamplighter’s Hornpipe (trad / either Jack Douglas or trad / trad)

Check out the Flying Shoes Radio Hour site more information and other great episodes. And the Country Dance and Song Society for information about contra and English country dance. 

 

Produced by:

Belfast Flying Shoes belfastflyingshoes.org

Country Dance & Song Society cdss.org

Belfast Community Radio WBFY (where the Flying Shoes Radio Hour airs weekly) wbfy.wpengine.com/show/flying-shoes-radio-hour/

]]> Episode 1 - Pine Tree Flyers Katie McNally, Emily Troll, Benjamin Foss, Neil Pearlman, Pine Tree Flyers, Chrissy Fowler 01:02:59 Welcome to the first episode of the Flying Shoes Radio Hour Podcast! Launching this project with the Pine Tree Flyers was a natural decision. We made this recording on Mother’s Day 2024, just after the band released their first album, which is chock full of tunes from the contra dance repertoire and which pays homage to some of the greats of the trad music scene in New England. Each of the band members has deep roots in the contra dance tradition, and that plays out in their musicianship as well as their philosophical perspective. What’s more, they all live in Maine – which connects nicely as a starting point for this Maine-produced podcast. From all of us at Belfast Flying Shoes, Country Dance & Song Society, and Belfast Community Radio, enjoy the contra dance music and the conversation! Welcome to the first episode of the Flying Shoes Radio Hour Podcast! Launching this project with the Pine Tree Flyers was a natural decision. We made this recording on Mother’s Day 2024, just after the band released their first album, which is chock full of tunes from the contra dance repertoire and which pays homage to some of the greats of the trad music scene in New England. Each of the band members has deep roots in the contra dance tradition, and that plays out in their musicianship as well as their philosophical perspective. What’s more, they all live in Maine – which connects nicely as a starting point for this Maine-produced podcast. From all of us at Belfast Flying Shoes, Country Dance & Song Society, and Belfast Community Radio, enjoy the contra dance music and the conversation! pine tree flyers, folk music, dance music, contra dance false full 1